Curriculum

Required Core Courses (25.5 - 26.5 credits)
PA 5004 — Introduction to Planning (3)
PA 5013 — Law and Urban Land Use (1.5)
PA 5031 — Empirical Analysis I (4)
PA 5036 — Regional Economic Analysis (2)
PA 5037 — Regional Demographic Analysis (2)
PA 5253 — Designing Planning and Participation Processes (3)
PA 5204 — Urban Spatial and Social Dynamics (3) or  PA 5521 - Development Planning and Policy Analysis (4)

Two of the following:
PA 8201 — Environment and Infrastructure Planning (4)
PA 8202 — Networks and Places: Land Use, Transportation, and Design (4)
PA 8203 — Neighborhood Revitalization Theories & Strategies (4)

If you do not have GIS competency, you must take a GIS course as part of your 48 credits.
You may be exempted from selected core course requirements if you have relevant prior coursework. In that case, you can take additional concentration or elective credits to meet the 48-credit requirement.

Concentrations (at least 9 credits in one of the following areas)
You can select a focus in an established area of concentration or self-design a concentration with your advisor and with the approval of the director of graduate studies. All concentrations require at least 9 credits. You can take concentration and elective courses at the Humphrey School and from other University departments.

Capstone Workshop (3 credits)
You can learn more about Capstone Workshops here.

Electives or Optional Plan A thesis credits (to bring total degree credits to at least 48)
You are welcome to read some recent theses.

Program Planning Worksheet
The Program Planning Worksheet (PPW) helps current students plan their degrees from start to finish. Students must submit a completed and approved PPW before graduating.

Dual Degree Opportunities
We offer dual degrees with the University of Minnesota Law School, the School of Social Work, and with the Department of Civil Engineering.